注意安全

（此網頁即將被翻譯成中文， 如因此引起不便， 敬請見諒。）Safety in the outback

There’s a serious side to travelling through the amazing Australian outback. Be well prepared and you will have a great holiday. Trust us, you need the following.

Plan your trip. If you plan on camping, please use gas stoves because firewood is scarce. You'll also need a Desert Parks Pass. Due to the high temperatures in the outback, the cooler months of May to October are the best times to travel.

Travel safely

• Always carry plenty of water with you.

• Tell someone your travel plans and when you expect to return.

• It's a good idea to always wear a hat, shirt, sunglasses and SPF30+ sunscreen.

• Get advice on the terrain, conditions and safety requirements. Contact South Australia's Royal Automobile Association (RAA) before leaving. Drop into Visitor Information Centres along the route.

• Take frequent rest breaks and change drivers regularly.

• Be aware of how close you are to facilities and services (fuel, water, medical).

• You are sharing the road with everyone, from cyclists to road trains (trucks and lorries). Be considerate of other vehicles and prepare for wind turbulence from the large trucks. Allow a lot of room to overtake trucks, they are massive and can’t stop quickly. Don’t make them attempt to!

• Watch out for livestock and wildlife as they often stray onto the road.

• Avoid driving at sunrise and sunset when animals are most active.

• Dust from dirt roads can obscure your vision. Slow down or stop until the dust settles.

• Obey road closure signs and stick to the main roads.

• If you encounter gates, they should always be left as they were found. Open gates should be left open and closed gates should be closed after passing through them.

• Avoid tracks that are for private use only or that are not marked on maps.

• Take care when travelling in remote areas during summer. Temperatures in outback Australia can reach over 40°C (104°F).

Emergency telephone numbers

Call 000 for emergency fire, police and ambulance assistance throughout Australia or if a crime is in progress. From mobile phones, it's 112. For non-emergency police attendance, call 131 444.

Road conditions

Routes vary from excellent sealed roads like the Stuart Highway to the roughest of bush tracks. The Birdsville Track, Strzelecki Track and Oodnadatta Track are among the best four wheel drive (4WD) journeys in the world and provide excellent access to the Northern Territory and Queensland. Be aware that seasonal conditions change the terrain of the roads from smooth sandy tracks to corrugated, stony and rocky crossings.

If you’re unsure of any aspect of your holiday planning, call one of the Visitor Information Centres. Take a list of the numbers you will need with you too.